Light From the Darkness

   “Only those who walk in darkness ever see the stars.  If we never suffer how will we know joy?” (“Seven Words of Jesus and Mary”, page 23, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen)

   Anyone who has walked down a dark road on a moonless night has probably experienced the fear and anxiety that can be brought on by the darkness.  The sight of a street light just ahead brings relief and joy.  It promises that we will soon be back in the light and out of the darkness.

   Darkness, whether physical or spiritual, is usually unpleasant on many levels.  We seek the light to reassure ourselves of our safety.  Yet, darkness serves a valuable purpose.  By walking in darkness occasionally we better appreciate the light.  If we are never ill, how can we appreciate heath?  Without knowing sorrow, happiness loses its’ joy.  

   Those who prepare for physically difficult sporting events know the pain and agony that their training may bring.  They consider it worth it to win the prize in their chosen sport.  In the same way martyrs throughout the years experienced the pain and agony of brutal torture and execution.  They considered the prize of heaven to be worth the cost.

 

   Those who sit in the stands and cheer on the athletes don’t know the pain experienced in training, but they never win the Super-bowl, the Stanley Cup or the World Series.  Those who sat in the Roman coliseum cheering the brutality suffered by those being martyred never felt the pain, but never won the prize of eternity with our Lord.

   Darkness, suffering, pain and death are things we all experience.  Some live in the fear and anxiety; some see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I believe that light at the end of the tunnel is the key; the light of God and eternal joy.  Like athletes and the martyrs, we may have to experience the pain to win the prize.

   “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear not evil, for you are with me;” (Ps 23: 4)